stickers

Cutting from Vector Based Programs

To create a cut line from Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW, start by opening your design at the size you want the sticker to be. Then using the path tool, create a thin line that the cutting blade will travel along. This path can be as complex or as simple as you would like. It is faster for production if you leave 2-3mm between any printed areas and the cut line, this will stop the ink from being smudged by the blade, but cuts can be placed anywhere if you want. If your cut line does travel through the printed area, we will need to wait 24-48 hours between printing and cutting, so it doesn't work well for urgent jobs.

Once you have your path created, remove any fill colour, and set the outline colour to be a spot colour, then name this colour CutContour. The spot colour can be any colour you choose, as long as it is named correctly. The machine can read this as a cut line and doesn't print the colour on the vinyl. Multiple cut lines can be used at once.

Cutting from other programs

If you are unfamiliar with vector based programs but you want to create the cut lines yourself, here is how you can do it in a bitmap editor such as photoshop or paint.

First open your sticker artwork, then save it as a new name, such as mysticker_cut.jpg, so you dont damage the original file. We will need the original file and the cut file.

With the cut artwork open, turn your artwork into a greyscale or black and white picture if you can, this will make it easier to make a cut line. Most software will have a "desaturate" option, or you can convert it to a grayscale then back into RGB colour.

Once your picture is grey, use a paintbrush tool and select a bright colour to be your cut line, then draw the line where you want your sticker to be cut. This path can be as complex or as simple as you would like. It is faster for production if you leave 2-3mm between any printed areas and the cut line, this will stop the ink from being smudged by the blade, but cuts can be placed anywhere if you want. If your cut line does travel through the printed area, we will need to wait 24-48 hours between printing and cutting, so it doesn't work well for urgent jobs.

When you are ready for your sticker to be made, send us both files, the original artwork and the grey version with the cut line. Our designers will then trace the line you made to create a vector path for the machine to cut along. Easy.

Stickers

Stickers are available with many options. From standard "cut vinyl" stickers to printed stickers and special effect stickers, there are many ways to get your message across. There is no limit on quantity, if you only need one sticker, we can make just one. They can be as small as a button or big as a truck.

The first step is working out what you want to use the stickers for and where you are going to stick them.

You can design the stickers yourself or have our designers do it for you. You can make stickers from your photos, from drawings and logos, whatever tickles your fancy.

Overlaminating

Printed stickers sometimes need extra protection from harmful elements to increase their lifespan. A clear vinyl can be applied over the top of the ink to create a barrier from chemicals and reduce UV rays effects on the ink. Unprotected the ink is quite strong as it is solvent based and will last over 2 years without fading, but certain situations require overlaminating.

If you plan on placing your stickers in an area where they may be exposed to chemicals, or they need to survive longer in direct sunlight, or they will be getting scrubbed or rubbed, then an overlaminate would be advised.

Race car graphics are exposed to fuel, polishing and flying rubber bits. Large stickers should be overlaminated to protect the ink from being eaten by fuel, rubbed off when regularly washed and it makes getting the rubber bits off easier. If your signage only needs to survive a couple of events, an unlaminated sticker will do fine.

Overlaminiates are available in different grades of vinyl and in gloss or matt finishes.

Overlaminating is not necessary on cut vinyl stickers, but if you are placing them in dangerous environments, high grade vinyl is advisable.

Printed Stickers

Digitally printed stickers can be printed and cut to any size or shape. You can design your own, or have our designers do it for you. There is no limit to how many colours you can use, no minimum or maximum orders and you can stick them wherever you want.

Unlike Cut vinyl stickers, printed stickers can use photos, shadows, gradients, fades, lots of colours. You can put whatever you like on the stickers. Whether you need bumper stickers for your business name, graphics on your car or labels for stuff, there are many options available to make sure you get the sticker you want. The first step is working out what you want to use the stickers for and where you are going to stick them.

The starting material the we print on is a self adhesive vinyl. It can be white, clear, chrome, metallic, coloured, super strong adhesive, short lifespan, long lifespan, conformable, stretchy, glossy, matt finish....

Once printed, the stickers can be die-cut to any shape you would like, circle, square, squiggly line, individual letters.......

To add further protection to the ink, the stickers can be overlaminated with a clear or tinted vinyl.

 

 

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